​Chelsea’s summer overhaul is already taking shape as the club looks to rebound from a dismal 10th-place finish in the Premier League last season. After a chaotic campaign that saw three different managers, the Blues are set to welcome Xabi Alonso as their new head coach and are active in the transfer market. Marco Palestra is anticipated to join from Atalanta to bolster Alonso’s wide options, but the most notable development so far is Chelsea’s reported interest in Granit Xhaka.
Xhaka’s form last season was among the best in the Premier League as Sunderland overachieved to secure seventh place, three spots above Chelsea. The 33-year-old midfield maestro is at the height of his powers and would provide a substantial upgrade in Chelsea’s central midfield ahead of the new campaign. Yet, with his birthday approaching in September, signing him would mark a clear shift from Chelsea’s recent transfer strategy, which has prioritized younger talents with the potential for future profit. Xhaka’s age is a consideration, but Alonso is seeking a seasoned presence in midfield to steady the team and to mentor Chelsea’s younger players.
A move for Xhaka would also help the club’s development plan, aiding emerging talents such as Estevao, Cole Palmer, and Alejandro Garnacho as they continue to gain essential experience. Chelsea’s midfield remains a strength, with Moises Caicedo establishing himself as a premier two-way midfielder and Enzo Fernandez looking to drive the team forward, while Reece James has even been deployed in central midfield lately. In terms of leadership and tempo-setting, Xhaka’s experience at the highest level would complement the squad’s dynamics, potentially filling a gap in midfield leadership and adding a reliable presence to guide younger players.